House Bill No. 6601, presented by the Public Health Committee, declares homelessness a public health crisis in the state. The bill asserts that this crisis will persist until the rights of homeless individuals to receive essential medical and mental health care services are adequately safeguarded and protected. These rights are outlined in the amended subsection (b) of section 1-500 of the general statutes. The bill also includes a new file number, File No. 56, and is effective upon passage.

The bill amends the Homeless Person's Bill of Rights to guarantee that the rights, privacy, and property of homeless persons are adequately safeguarded and protected under state law. It changes the language from "emergency" to "essential" medical and mental health care services, emphasizing the broader scope of care to be provided. Other rights affirmed for homeless persons include the freedom to move in public spaces without harassment, equal employment opportunities, the right to register to vote and vote, protection of personal information, privacy of personal property, and equal treatment by state and municipal agencies. The bill has no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities and is effective immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 1-500
PH Joint Favorable: 1-500
File No. 56: 1-500